J&K NOV 22: The Jammu Kashmir Drugs and Food Control Organisation has imposed an immediate ban on the sale, storage and distribution of several ghee brands after laboratory tests declared multiple batches sub-standard or unsafe. The action follows a special enforcement drive carried out in September 2025, during which samples from the listed brands failed to meet mandatory quality and safety standards under the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), 2006.
According to the prohibitory order issued by Smita Sethi, Commissioner, Food and Drugs Administration, JK, the samples were tested at National Food Laboratory Ghaziabad, FRAC-FICCI New Delhi, and the Food Testing Laboratory Srinagar. The results confirmed adulteration with vegetable and foreign fats, presence of non-dairy ingredients such as Beta-Sitosterol, and deviations in key quality indicators including Iodine Value, Saponification Value, RM Value and fatty acid composition.
Nine brands—including Shri Godhan Desi Ghee, Eassy Dairy Cow Ghee, Dairy Anmol Desi Ghee, MFP 56 Bhog A2 Desi Ghee, Avik Ghee, Vaariya Brand Ghee, Desi Cow Ghee (GOPI), Krishna Brand Ghee, and Daawat Gold—were found in violation of FSSA standards. Several samples were categorised as both unsafe and sub-standard, posing what the order called “potential health hazards to consumers.”
The Food Safety and Standards Regulations explicitly prohibit the sale of ghee that contains any added substances not derived exclusively from milk fat. The Commissioner noted that all listed brands tested positive for ingredients not naturally found in milk, constituting a serious breach of safety norms.
Invoking powers under Sections 30(2)(a) and 18(1)(g) of the FSSA, the administration has ordered an immediate halt to the sale, display and distribution of the affected batches across Jammu Kashmir. Food Business Operators (FBOs), wholesalers and retailers have been directed to stop sales, declare stock within 48 hours, and initiate immediate recall of the listed products.Designated Officers and Food Safety Officers have been instructed to maintain strict enforcement to prevent further circulation of the adulterated ghee.
The order, issued as a precautionary measure in the interest of public health, also states that manufacturers retain the right to seek re-analysis of samples through any FSSAI-notified referral laboratory, as permitted under the Food Safety and Standards Act.
